Burton Cummings, Tom Cotter
March 29, 2018
Audio of interviews are posted below
Former Lead Singer of The Guess Who, Burton Cummings and Comedian Tom Cotter, runner-up on NBC’s America’s Got Talent guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Famed musician and songwriter Burton Cummings will bring his timeless sound to The Orleans Showroom on March 31, April 1, 5, 6.
Cummings began his music journey as the lead singer of the Canadian band The Guess Who, whose hits included “These Eyes,” “Laughing, No Time,” “American Woman,” “Share The Land,” and “Hang On To Your Life.” The band was the first Canadian group to reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts, as well as the first to earn a platinum album for sales of more than 1 million copies in the United States. For more about Burton Cummings: http://www.Burtoncummings.com
Tom Cotter
Being a stand-up comedian is one thing, but being a stand-up comedian on a nationally televised reality competition show is an entirely different level of stand-up-ness (cause we just made that a thing). Tom Cotter jumped into the spotlight as the runner up during the 2012 season of America’s Got Talent and has seen an instant increase in national bookings that have changed his life as a professional comic.
TweetOtis Williams, Olate Dogs
April 7, 2016
Audio is posted below
Otis Williams, original founding member of The Temptations, guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. Hear the stories behind the hits in this very candid interview.
For more than 40 years, The Temptations have shined as pioneers of popular music, with decades of smash hits and sold-out performances. An essential component of the original Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical career in Detroit in the early ‘60s. In 1964, Smokey Robinson wrote and produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” the first major hit for The Temptations. An avalanche of hits followed, including “My Girl,” “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” and “I Wish It Would Rain.”
For more about Otis Williams, click here.
For more about The Temptations, click here.
You can catch Otis Williams w/ The Temptations at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, April 7th & 8th 8:00pm
NBC’s America’s Got Talent Winner 2012 – “Olate Dogs”
For more about Olate Dogs, click here.
Live in-studio, on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comic Michele LaFong, are Richard and son, Nick Olate, and four of the Star Olate Dogs that won the million dollar prize this year on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
Richard Olate is from Chile South America. He is the second youngest in a family of 22 children. His family was very poor. There were many times when they would not have enough to eat for days at a time. His story is not a sad one though. At age 12 he got a dog from the street. He loved the dog and found that he might have a feel for training. There are many dogs roaming the streets in Chile, so guess what……? When he had put together a routine, he, with his mother’s help, booked his amateur act at schools and small circuses. He quickly got a regular performance schedule but needed more help. His older brother soon joined him and together they decided they could do something special. They were right! They worked hard creating a very unique dog act. They spent the next few years traveling with different circuses throughout South America and in 1989 they premiered in the United States of America. They have been here ever since. Richard has appeared with his dogs in many television shows, made commercials, been in a movie, and worked in stage, night club and circus performances. A true testament that, no matter where you come from, hard work and determination makes dreams come true.
You can catch Olate Dogs at The Hard Rock on April 9
TweetBurton Cummings, Tom Cotter
April 23, 2015- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Former Lead Singer of The Guess Who, Burton Cummings and Comedian Tom Cotter, last year’s runner-up on NBC’s America’s Got Talent guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Cummings began his music journey as the lead singer of the Canadian band The Guess Who, whose hits included “These Eyes,” “Laughing, No Time,” “American Woman,” “Share The Land,” and “Hang On To Your Life.” The band was the first Canadian group to reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts, as well as the first to earn a platinum album for sales of more than 1 million copies in the United States. For more about Burton Cummings: http://www.Burtoncummings.com
Tom Cotter
Being a stand-up comedian is one thing, but being a stand-up comedian on a nationally televised reality competition show is an entirely different level of stand-up-ness (cause we just made that a thing). Tom Cotter jumped into the spotlight as the runner up during the 2012 season of America’s Got Talent and has seen an instant increase in national bookings that have changed his life as a professional comic.
www.tomcotter.com
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LV Backstage Talk column
March Las Vegas Backstage Talk column in Casino Player Magazine and Gaming Today
By Michele LaFong
(Click on article to enlarge)
Fellow artists, musicians and industry insiders were among the crowd that packed The Gordie Brown Showroom inside the Golden Nugget. They had all turned out for 80’s hit-master Eddie Money on Feb. 13.
Back in the 80’s, it seemed every time I watched MTV or turned on the radio another Eddie Money hit was playing. Hearing those chart-topping tunes in back to back concert, took me back in time. I was awed at how many great tunes Eddie had cranked out.
“Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Shakin’,” “Think I’m in Love,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” “I Wanna Go Back,” were just a few I remembered and some I didn’t – like “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” which I enjoyed.
When Eddie wasn’t singing he was wailing on the saxophone or harmonica. I got a huge kick watching him work the crowd. “The Money Man” hasn’t lost any of his charisma or showmanship; at age 65 he can still rock the house, keeping the audience on its feet.
A true entertainer, Money is comedic, fun to watch and a crowd-pleaser. It was obvious he doesn’t take himself too seriously. His main objective is to make sure everyone has a great time. He even signed tee shirts for a long line of fans with 100% of the proceeds donated to our troops.
I could tell from my interview with Money that he is extremely down to earth, one of the most genuine people I’ve ever run into in show business!
Solid Gold
After interviewing 5th Dimension stars Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., I was invited to check out their show “Up, Up and Away – The Music & Memories” at The Orleans on Valentine’s Day weekend.
I’m so glad I did. The sold-out performance was one of the classiest, well-paced, entertaining shows I’ve seen. The talented back-up singers and musicians, choreography, and attention to detail told us no corners were cut in this production.
Married and performing together for over 45 years, the chemistry between Marilyn and Billy was magical. Even the scripted shtick between them was endearing, well-timed, and masterfully performed. The pair took the audience on a journey through Memory Lane.
In between singing their biggest hits – “Up Up and Away,” “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show),” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” and more – they entertained with everything from The Beatles to Blues to Broadway, complete with costume changes and stellar solos from each.
Both voices were shockingly as strong, crisp and impressive as ever, which explains why they received several standing ovations and two curtain calls! This show could be a mainstay on the Strip, like Smokey Robinson’s Human Nature.
Got talent?
NBC’s “America’s Got Talent!” wrapped up all live auditions nationwide, and will soon inform those who made it to the next round, which will most likely be televised in New York in front of judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B.
The turnout for the one day open call auditions in Las Vegas for season 10 of the show was enormous. I bumped into every kind of performer I knew, and many I never want to know!
It was a sight to behold. That’s the wonderful thing about this show. It is the only television venue open to any age and any talent – nothing is off limits.
If you win, you receive $1 million. But you don’t have to win the show for it to change your life. Throughout the years, many acts have gone on to launch careers. 2014 winner Mat Franco just headlined in a Las Vegas show with fellow finalists.
Forte, the powerhouse operatic trio that made it to the finals this past season, landed a recording contract with Columbia Records and a special New Year’s residency in Las Vegas!
Kenichi Ebina, The KriStef Brothers, Collins Key, Cami Bradley, Jimmy Rose, Taylor Williamson and Tone The Chiefrocca all went on an AGT live tour around the country.
Among AGT’s success stories are Terry Fator, Recycled Percussion, Nathan Burton, and Jabbawockeez. All perform regularly on the Strip. Comedians Taylor Williamson and Tom Cotter sell out venues across the country and iLuminate is lighting up the Broadway stage.
Dice special
Andrew Dice Clay has a special airing on Showtime in March. The “Blue Show,” with some of his favorite blue comics, features Eleanor Kerrigan, Steve Wilson, Erik Myers, Jason Rouse, Michael Wheels Paris, Colin Kane and The Smash Brothers; Cory & Chad.
My Picks
Wayne Brady, Mirage, Feb.27; Roseanne Barr, Tommy James and the Shondells, Golden Nugget, Feb. 27; Jay Leno, Mirage, Feb. 28;
Bill Engvall, Treasure Island, March 6, Bill Medley and McKenna Medley, South Point, March 6-8; John Mulaney, Mirage, March 6; Tim Allen, Mirage, March 7;
Dana Carvey, Orleans, March 13-14; Jim Breuer, South Point, March 13-14; Whitney Cummings, Venetian, March 13-14; Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Palms, March 15; Elton John, Caesars Palace, March 18-April 14;
Bobby Vinton, Golden Nugget, March 20; Jo Koy, Treasure Island, March 20; The Lettermen, South Point, March 20-22; Ron White, Mirage, March 20-21; Bill Maher, Palms, March 21-22; Garfunkel & Oates, Venetian, March 21;
Charlie Murphy, South Point, March 27-29; Daniel Tosh, Mirage, March 27-28; Caroline Rhea and Elaine Boosler, Venetian, March 28; Shaq’s next All-Star comedy jam, Aliante, March 28.
Comedian Tom Cotter, Jackie “The Joke Man”
Jan. 29 & 31, 2015 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Audio of interviews are posted below
“America’s Got Talent” Breakout Star Comedian Tom Cotter returns on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong. In a very candid interview, Tom gives many inside tips on how to advance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. He will be performing at the Suncoast Showroom February 6.
After appearing on the 2012 season of “America’s Got Talent,” Cotter was invited back to perform as a special guest, and again to host the “2013 AGT Viewing Party.” Cotter’s other numerous television and radio credits include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” his very own special “Comedy Central Presents… Tom Cotter,” The Howard Stern Show and, most recently, a third appearance on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.”
For more go to http://www.tomcotter.com/
Jackie “The Joke Man Martling
Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling returns on LVBST to promote his gig with Bobby Slayton “The Pitbull of Comedy,” and Comedian John Melendez, “Stuttering John,” at the South Point Showroom, Jan. 30 & 31.
While touring as a national headliner, Martling released three comedy lp’s, 1979’s “What Did You Expect?,” 1980’s “Goin’ Ape!,” and 1981’s “Normal People Are People You Don’t Know That Well.” He blindly sent the three LP’s to Howard Stern upon Howard’s arrival at WNBC-AM in New York City in 1982, and Howard called him to make a guest appearance on his radio show. in 1986, Jackie became a full-time cast member and the head writer of Stern’s show.
Jackie left the show in 2001 after fifteen-year run as head writer of the radio show, four television series, and three Pay-Per-Views.
He still works all around the country, performing his solo act of rapid-fire filthy jokes and the classic finale, “Stump The Joke Man,” is about to release a CD of his original music entitled “Happy Endings,” and is currently doing his own radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio 101, “Jackie’s Joke Hunt.
Jackie Martling’s videotaped interview on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong is posted on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com
More about Jackie Martling here–>
TweetBill Maher, Scott Record-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
Nov.1, 2012 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Comedian Bill Maher, a favorite guest on “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” radio show, with Comedian Michele Lafong which now airs on KLAV, 1230 am in Las Vegas, and The Web, answers questions about his personal experiences on other talk shows, his feelings on Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s treatment of him when he guested on “The View,” and Barbara Walter’s response behind the scenes. He also speaks about the republican party, President Obama, and the upcoming presidential election.
For the last 18 years, Maher has pushed the boundaries of how far political humor and satire can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” (which first aired on Comedy Central before moving to ABC), and for the last seven years on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and scathing humor have garnered him 21 EmmyR nominations. In October 2008, this same combination was on display in Maher’s swipe at organized religion, “Religulous,” which went on to become the seventh-highest grossing documentary ever.
In addition to his television program-which has featured such regular visitors as Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Arianna Huffington, Alec Baldwin and Michael Moore-Maher has written four bestsellers: “True Story,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits,” “When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden” and most recently, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer.”
Bill Maher will be featured in Comedian Michele LaFong’s Syndicated “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column, in June’s issue of Casino Player Magazine. He will also be LaFong’s Cover/Feature Interview in “Getting Personal with the Stars” in November’s 2013 edition of CP Magazine.
For more about Bill Maher click here.
For more about “Real Time with Bill Maher” click here.
You can catch Bill live at The Orleans
Orleans Showroom, Nov. 3 & 4 – 8:00pm
Comedian / Impressionist – Scott Record
Scott Record, another favorite on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show, with Comedian Michele LaFong, returns live in-studio with his many impressions, and show biz road stories. He shares the story of some friendly, last minute comedy advice that he gave to his “buddy,” Comic Tom Cotter, that ultimately resulted in placing Tom in the finals, on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, 2012.
Scott is one of the most requested headliners on several of the world’s most elite cruise lines. Corporate appearances make up yet another large percentage of Scott’s current schedule. Many Fortune 500 companies such as KMPG, Lucent, Warner Lambert, IBM, ATT, Chrysler, Ford, Isuzu, Phillip Morris, GE, Sunoco, American Airlines, Sun Microsystems, Pfizer, Kraft Nabisco and Motorola have enjoyed Scott’s performances and continually book him for return engagements. Scott has a great web site, check it out especially his great videos.
For more info about Scott, CLICK HERE!
You can catch Scott live at Harrah’s Las Vegas The Improv Comedy Club, Oct. 30-Nov. 4 Showtime:8:30PM, 10:00PM
You can listen to a recording of our show below!
